Two South African hotels were recognised in the TripAdvisor 2019 Travellers Choice Awards’ top 10 hotels in Africa, putting the country on the map for first-class hospitality offerings.
The annual Travellers Choice Awards ranking system is based on visitor’s reviews of accommodations on TripAdvisor. The Oyster Box in Umhlanga Rocks, KwaZulu-Natal came in second place while the Cape Grace in Cape Town came in sixth.
First place was given to the Constance Prince Maurice hotel in Mauritius and Diamonds Mequfi Beach Resort in Mozambique, came in last at 10th place.
Here is a closer look at the local winners
The Oyster Box Hotel – second place
With over 2 000 reviews of it on TripAdvisor, the Oyster Box Hotel has an incredible five-star rating. Visitors to the hotel have commented on the degree of excellence the hotel keeps.
‘The Oyster Box has maintained its standards throughout and exceeded our expectations in accommodating our changing needs,’ said one reviewer.
Known for its idyllic setting by the Indian Ocean, with the Umhlanga Lighthouse standing directly by it, the hotel offers guests a seaside getaway in a luxurious setting. Along with the pool overlooking the sea, guests can enjoy an award-winning spa and a private 24-seater movie theatre as well as Wi-Fi.
This member of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection has 86 suites and families are very welcome here, with various activities to keep children occupied.
Address: 2 Lighthouse Rd, Umhlanga Rocks, Umhlanga
Contact: 031 514 5000
Website: www.oysterboxhotel.com
The pool area by the Umhlanga Lighthouse
The rooms are elegantly designed and modern finishes are combined with classic-style furnishings and decor.
The sea-facing luxury suite, offering direct views of the lighthouse
The Oyster Bar is a ideal spot to grab a cocktail to go perfectly with a sunny day by the pool.
The Oyster Bar offers a range of drinks from cocktails to coffee
The private movie theatre
Skabenga, the resident cat at the hotel, is ready to welcome guests and visitors to the Oyster Box and is often seen strolling the grounds.
Skabenga giving guests a red carpet welcome
Cape Grace – sixth place
In the heart of the Mother City, the Cape Grace is a 5-star luxury establishment.
Out of the 2,400 reviews for the hotel on TripAdvisor, most judged the service and general experience here to be ‘excellent’. In a private quay between the V&A Waterfront and the yacht marina, with a stellar view of Table Mountain, the hotel’s setting is as striking as its interiors.
‘We stayed at Cape Grace for four nights at the start of our honeymoon and were blown away by the level of service we received,’ said one reviewer.
Address: W Quay Rd, V & A Waterfront, Cape Town,
Contact: 021 410 7100
Website: www.capegrace.com
Walking into the reception, guests are greeted by sumptuous interiors
Attention to detail is discernible throughout the hotel; for example, fresh flowers are left in guests’ rooms as well as hand-selected books.
Each room is uniquely designed to represented the charm of South Africa and Cape heritage.
A spacious room in the hotel
Children are welcome to stay and activities such as gingerbread-making and African story-time will keep them busy.
A hot spa is available for guests who want to unwind during their stay.
The hot spa available at the Cape Grace hotel
Dine at the Signal Restaurant or savor a whisky drink at the Bascule Bar.
One of the options available at the Single restaurant
High tea is offered at the hotel and will delight those with a sweet tooth
High tea at the Cape Grace Hotel
The top 10 hotels in Africa, according to 2019 Travellers’ Choice Awards:
- Constance Prince Maurice, Mauritiuss
- The Oyster Box, South Africa
- LUX* Belle Mare, Mauritius
- The Residence Zanzibar, Tanzania
- Baraza Resort & Spa, Zanzibar, Tanzania
- Cape Grace, South Africa
- LUX* Grand Gaube, Mauritius
- The Oberoi, Mauritius
- Selman Marrakech, Morocco
- Diamonds Mequfi Beach Resort, Mozambique
Picture: Facebook
